Video: Welcome aboard the West African Express

A colonial-era dream may become a reality. Bankrolled by French industrialist Vincent Bolloré, the €2.5 billion- and 3,000-kilometre-long rail network is set to cover five countries, from the port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, via Niger, to the seaside of Benin.

Against the backdrop of political instability and security issues, Bolloré's group project has also been fraught with controversy, including accusations of neo-colonialism.
Our reporters went to examine the ambitious plan, tracing its route and looking at the players who stand to benefit as well as those who do not.

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